KwangHo Shin “??? ?? ??”

Unix Gallery

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UNIX Gallery presents ??? ?? ??, a solo exhibition by Korean artist KwangHo Shin.

This latest series of work features new oil paintings that challenge the notion of identity and interactivity between humans. Painting in a brand new environment in New York City, Shin features new tones and color combinations that directly reflect the artist’s congruence with his new surroundings. The result of this is a seductive enigma, an amalgamation of specificity and obscurity, anxiety and humor; all with Shin’s expert painterly strokes that articulate the eponymous notion of “??? ?? ??,” the devoid identity, the untitled being.

Evoking themes of Abstract Expressionism, Shin employs intense and vibrant colors in order to depict individualistic expression of emotion and a sense of self. He applies charcoal and oils in thick brushstrokes to distort and exaggerate the subject’s facial features. His technique confronts the viewer with the resulting emotional impact these painterly effects have on our understanding of the subject. Channeling a more figurative realm with Untitled 16NY09, the artist smears prinks and purples with white to create an explosion of ephemeral flesh. The use of softer
pastels leave a more gentle affect offset by rich chocolates and flesh tones.

Colorful, “faceless” paintings brilliantly capture the complexity of human emotions. The subjects range from individual models, noted international celebrities, and the artist’s self-portrait. Untitled 16NY16 expresses the Shin’s natural inclination to represent his subjects’ personalities and innate nature; even his own. “I don’t see anything,” the artist ruminates on his source material, “but it is also a self-portrait. When I am painting I don’t make a plan what color will paint.” Here, Shin is able to clear his mind and evoke his full creative psyche. “During the painting process I change ideas and feelings many times. I just focus on that feeling; that moment…I put the totality of my energy into that feeling so I know when a work is complete, when feel peaceful.” Whether it is the external shape of the subject or the unique color combinations, abstraction or layered texture, the portraiture of KwnagHo Shin is able to document the psychological changes and clashes that arise in us all.

KwangHo Shin (b. 1983, Seoul, South Korea). The exhibition marks the third solo show of his work with the gallery. He graduated from the Keimyung University, Daegu Korea in 2009 with a BFA and has since been featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions including Goethe Institute Korea Gallery, Berlin (2011); Bien Gallery, Seoul (2013). Shin has been featured as “One to Watch,” a distinction awarded by the Saatchi Gallery to promising emerging artists. KwangHo Shin was awarded the prestigious Daegu Art Center’s artist in residence in 2011.